This week, the North Shore was invaded by a gaggle of hungry explorers taking part in Vancouver Foodster’s Tasting Plates North Vancouver. As with all Tasting Plates, the patrons got to experience a sampling of what the neighbourhood has to offer. Restaurants, cafes, and their chefs put their best foot forward with their Tasting Plates and Cups.
Starting off at Bean Around The World at Lonsdale Quay Market, Tasting Platers collected their Tasting Plates cards and map, and sat down for a tasting cup of drip or espresso based coffees. Armed with our Americano we set out on a flavorful journey around North Van.
The tasting plate that two-week old Lift Breakfast Bakery, 101 Lonsdale Avenue served was a perfect teaser of the sweet and savoury tastes we’ll find at Lift. Breakfast for dinner is always a favourite.
House Smoked Trout Eggs Benedict, served on a Potato Rosti with rich Hollandaise Sauce
Mini Kouign Amann, a Breton Pastry, crispy and sweet outside with a soft buttery flake inside.
Lightly Dressed Greens cleansed the palate between bites.
Exploration of the neighbourhood meets exploration of the world’s flavours at Maru Korean Bistro, 125 2nd St E, a plate as pretty as it was flavourful.
Saeng-Gool :- Oyster with Yuzu Foam and Tabasco-Gochujang Caviar (Jelly Pearls),
Kim-Bugak :- Crisp Nori Puff, with XO Aioli, Salmon Roe, Lime Caviar
Yook-Hoe :- Korean Beef Tartare, Sea Lettuce Powder Dusted Crostini, Asian Pear, Sesame Oil Dust and Garlic Chip.
Just down the street The Juicery Co 254 1st St E cleansed us with a tasting cups of The Greenest (Kale, Collards, Watercress, Cucumber, Cilantro, Dandelion, Lemon, Ginger) and Honey & Vanilla Almond Milk. For something substantial but light a small cup of Acai Bowl creamy and smooth, with a crunchy topping of The Juicery Co‘s signature housemade granola
Who doesn’t love some chocolate, Coconama Chocolate Shop and Factory 2568 1st St E, has plenty. Artisan handmade Japanese-style truffles, were rich and creamy, with a wide variety of flavours.
COCOBARs are blended, flavoured chocolate bars, the Salted Caramel was a treat!
COCO LABO are single source, small batch, high quality chocolate. Unlike some high percentage cocoa dark chocolates, these were smooth and not grainy feeling.
Even though it’s only been open 7 weeks, Welcome Parlour Ice Cream, 277 8th St E, has a century of history behind it. Housed in a building owned by the original owner of Welcome Parlor, a 1910 ice cream, candy and smoke shop on Lonsdale Ave, this renewed version is serving a selection of nostalgic and modern candy treats alongside their rich and creamy natural churned ice cream blends (plus a couple of non-dairy coconut milk based creams)
A quartet of flavours filled my Welcome Parlour Tasting Box:
Homemade Apple Pie – a real house baked apple pie crushed and blended into ice cream
Rocky Road – like s’mores on ice
Vanilla Vanilla – a creamy butter coloured, vanilla bean classic
Non-Dairy Chocolate Coconut – I can’t believe it’s not dairy
Last but not least, Hearthstone Brewery and Restaurant 1015 Marine Drive, combines the brewery with their recently opened Forno to bring mediterranean flavours to the imbibers.
Panzanella Salad, a nicely dressed blend of Bread, Tomatoes, Watermelon, Onion, Fiore de Latte and Herb Vinaigrette
From the choice of beers I selected a clear and refreshing Rizzla Rice Lager
If this flavour adventure sounded tasty to you, join in on Vancouver Foodster’s next Tasting Plates Burnaby Heights on May 17th.